Have you ever wondered how German car dealerships manage test drives and deliveries for unregistered vehicles? Enter the world of Rote Kennzeichen, literally translating to “red license plates.” One shouldn’t mistake Autohändlerschild for a car dealer sign.
What Rote Kennzeichen Look Like
These unique red plates are a vital part of German car dealership practices, allowing dealers, manufacturers, and workshops to test drive, move, or deliver vehicles that still need to go through the entire registration process.
The image depicts a German vehicle license plate (Rote Kennzeichen). Here are the details:
To learn more about auto-buying-related terms applicable to car buyers, click below: Car Buying Terms In Germany
Here’s how Rote Kennzeichen relates to German car dealership practices:
- Test Drives: Dealerships use red license plates to allow potential buyers to test drive unregistered vehicles on public roads.
- Moving Cars: Dealerships might use Rote Kennzeichen to move vehicles between locations, to workshops for repairs, or auctions.
- Deliveries: If a customer purchases a car that needs registration in their name, the dealership might temporarily deliver it using red license plates until they issue the permanent plates.
Essential Points To Remember:
- Not for Private Use: The authorities do not issue these plates to private individuals, and individuals cannot use them for personal journeys.
- Display Requirements: You must display red license plates on both the front and back of the vehicle.
- Insurance Coverage: The insurance associated with the Rote Kennzeichen typically covers the dealer or workshop, not the person driving the vehicle. Clarifying insurance coverage with the dealership before a test drive is essential.
Red License Plate Booklet
The “Fahrzeugscheinheft für Fahrzeuge mit rotem Kennzeichen” associates with Rote Kennzeichen in Germany as a document. The booklet contains essential information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, VIN, and engine number. It also includes information about the holder of the Rote Kennzeichen, such as their name and address.
The law requires you to keep the Fahrzeugscheinheft in the vehicle while driving it with Rote Kennzeichen. You must present it to law enforcement officials upon their request.
The holder of the Rote Kennzeichen can obtain the Fahrzeugscheinheft from the Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) in the district where they reside. There is a small fee for the document.
Here is some of the critical information that you can find in the Fahrzeugscheinheft:
Vehicle details:
- Make
- Model
- VIN
- Engine number
- License plate number
- Date of first registration
Technical specifications (e.g., weight, dimensions, fuel type)
Holder details:
Name
Address
Date of birth
Driver’s license number
Rote Kennzeichen details:
Validity period
Authorized use
Insurance information
The Fahrzeugscheinheft is an important document that helps to ensure that the law is using vehicles with red license plates It also provides valuable information about the car and its owner.
Conclusion
Understanding Rote Kennzeichen goes beyond the red plates themselves. It provides valuable insight into German car dealership practices and helps ensure a smooth car buying experience. Knowing the limitations and regulations surrounding these temporary licenses, you can avoid confusion during test drives or deliveries and confidently navigate the German car buying process.
7 Most FAQs About Rote Kennzeichen and Fahrzeugscheinheft:
Red license plate is not for private individuals. The authorities issue them explicitly to dealerships, manufacturers, and workshops for business purposes only.
Dealerships, workshops, and manufacturers use these red plates for test drives, moving vehicles between locations (dealerships, workshops, auctions), and temporary deliveries until they issue permanent plates.
The insurance associated with the Rote Kennzeichen typically covers the dealer or workshop, not the person driving the vehicle. Clarifying insurance coverage with the dealership before a test drive is crucial.
Unlike regular license plates, you must display Rote Kennzeichen on both the front and back of the vehicle. A special permit usually accompanies them on the windshield, detailing the validity period and authorized use.
No, you cannot purchase a car with a Rote Kennzeichen for personal use yet. The dealership might use it to temporarily deliver the car to you while they process the permanent plates.
The Fahrzeugscheinheft is a document associated with red license plates in Germany. The booklet contains essential information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, VIN, and engine number.
The holder of the red license plates can obtain the Fahrzeugscheinheft from the Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) in their district. There is a small fee for the document.
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